El Calafate & El ChaltenTravel Guide

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Welcome to one of the most incredible and beautiful regions in all of Patagonia. El Calafate and El Chalten attract hikers, adventurers, and explorers that come from all corners of the globe to experience the towering peaks and stunning natural landscapes that abound in this southern part of Argentine Patagonia. El Calafate is a charming Alpine-esque town which many travelers in the region used as a base to explore the Patagonian wilderness, and to venture to Glacier National Park, where the world famous Perito Moreno glacier is located. El Calafate takes its name from a local berry, which can be seen in the bushes and brambles that cover much of the area and the national park.

Experiences around El Calafate & Chalten

What not to miss

Glaciers National Park is located 80km away from El Calafate, and on the approach to the park, you will encounter the vast plains interrupted with imposing mountain ranges that have given Patagonia its fame. The Perito Moreno glacier is fed by the world’s third largest ice field and is one of the only advancing glaciers on earth. You will be wowed by the epic blue of its core, topped by jagged white marks that have been cut into the glacier as it makes its way down from the mountain. Spend a while on the network of walkways that zig-zag in front of the glacier, and you will be sure to see and hear the rumble of a calving iceberg as it crashes in slow motion into Lago Argentino below. Take a boat trip past the sheer wall of Perito Moreno, or do an excursion which will take you over the top of the ice sheet itself. El Chalten is a quaint village located about three hours away from El Calafate and is one of the most popular destinations for hiking, trekking and walking in Argentina. This tiny town is dwarfed by the immensity of the Patagonian peaks that enclose it, and there is no end to the number of forest trails, mountain hikes and multi-day treks to be challenged by. The town provides quick and easy access for outdoor enthusiasts directly to the mountains, and adventurers can do short walks to lookout points. The more adventurous will undertake two or three-day overnight hikes where you camp beside glacial lakes at the base of Mount Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre, or complete five-day odysseys that will bring you deep into the Patagonian wilderness. On these longer hikes, you'll be crossing few people as you make your way up and down the incredible mountain passes that can only be experienced by seasoned hikers. The town is cosy and fun, and is the perfect place to recharge the batteries after a few tough days battling the elements in the great outdoors.

No visit to Argentina is complete without a trip to Los Glaciares National Park and the Perito Moreno Glacier, the iconic highlight of wild, beautiful Patagonia. The glacier originates at the Continental Ice Field and descends through these colossal mountains before reaching the waters of Lago Argentino. It’s a jaw-dropping landscape that you won’t find anywhere else on earth. The glacier is framed by thick green forests and bright blooming flowers, making it all the more surreal and stunning. During this full-day adventure, you’ll travel from El Calafate to the eastern side of the Magellan Peninsula, scattered with breathtaking viewpoints of Perito Moreno. You’ll then follow the scenic walking tracks skirting the glacier, stopping for photos and watching huge ice blocks crash into the lake, creating a thunderous sound and huge waves. There’s really nowhere quite like it.

Taking a mini trekking across the jaw-dropping Perito Moreno Glacier, it’s a trip that you will always remember. With plenty of time to explore the glacier at your own pace and soak up the breathtaking surroundings, you’ll first travel from El Calafate to the eastern side of the Magellan Peninsula, scattered with breathtaking viewpoints of Perito Moreno. You’ll then follow the scenic walking tracks skirting the glacier, stopping for photos and watching huge ice blocks crash into the lake, creating a thunderous sound and huge waves. Next, you’ll hop in a boat to cross the Rico Branch, sailing past the vast glacier. When you reach the other side, you’ll take a walk through the thick green forest on the opposite shore, right along the edge of the Perito Moreno. Along the way, you’ll find caves at the base of the glacier, complete with small internal deep lagoons. Next comes the real highlight – a two-hour trek on top of the glacier with an expert guide. It’s the experience of a lifetime. Afterward, return through the forest and enjoy some free time for lunch before heading back towards El Calafate.

The expedition to the heart of Perito Moreno Glacier is an experience not-to-be-missed. You will depart early in the morning towards Bajo de las Sombras pier, located approximately 4 miles away from the glacier inside National Park Los Glaciares. You will cross the Rico Branch on a boat, and navigate for 20 minutes in front of the glacier. After this take a mesmerizing walk through the exuberant Magellanic forest on the other shore. There is a breathtaking view of the plateau of ice, and there are also caves that allow you to reach the very base of the glacier, as well as small internal deep blue lagoons, big drains, mysterious caves, and huge moulins. Expert mountain guides will lead you every step of the way and will teach you the techniques of traversing the ice. To top it all up, spend some unique time having lunch somewhere on the ice with amazing views of the glacier before heading back catch the boat.

This incredible boat trip is a unique chance to see the face of Perito Moreno glacier from an entirely different perspective. It’s an indescribable feeling that is guaranteed to give you goosebumps. Sailing across the rippling waters of Lake Rico, where the glacier dazzles against the bright blue sky, you’ll watch as huge chunks of ice break off and thunder into the water below, creating huge waves and a deafening roar. There’s nothing quite like it! Reaching the iceberg channel, your boat will stop at a safe distance from the glacier, continuing to sail in front of it and allowing you a spectacular view of the high wall of ice. After the cruise, you can spend some free time following the trails through the forest surrounding Perito Moreno admiring the spectacular views. It’s a day out that you’ll never forget.

An unforgettable experience that will take you to two stunning glaciers in the heart of Patagonia. Leaving El Calafate early in the morning and heading west, you´ll arrive in Punta Bandera on the shore of Lago Argentino where you’ll board your boat and set off to explore the Santa Cruz province. You’ll sail through the scenic northern arm of the lake towards the Upsala Canal, soaking up the natural beauty of your surroundings. Drift past the tallest and largest glaciers in the region, with plenty of time to take buckets of breathtaking photos. On the way, see both the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers, towering blocks of glistening ice that will leave you speechless. Around midday, travel north of Lake Argentino and enjoy lunch aboard the cruise before heading back to Puerto Bandera, where you’ll meet the transfer back to your hotel in El Calafate.

The early departure from El Calafate today, will be rewarded with memories that will last forever. You´ll leave Puerto Bandera to sail over the Argentino Lake going through the Upsala channel amongst bluish icebergs, stunning scenery and a mesmerizing front view of the glacier, before arriving at Estancia Cristina. During your time at the estancia, you will have the chance to visit the Costumbrista Museum and old shearing shed, where you will be introduced to the Estancia´s history. Enjoy a fantastic walk to the Caterina River to later continue to discover the remains of the old estancia and its chapel. Then, to add to this unique experience, take an unforgettable hike to Cascada de Los Perros, a waterfall that surprises visitors with its beauty, surrounded by groves of ñires (an endemic type of beech) topped by an aerial view of the valley and Estancia Cristina.

Lace up your hiking boots for this full-day trip to El Chalten, a classic Patagonia experience that will get you out into the great outdoors. A magnet for hikers and mountain lovers, the village of El Chalten is flanked by the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Fitz Roy mountain range. Mountaineers flock here from all over the globe to scale the challenging 3,443m Fitz Roy peaks, while hikers stick to the scenic trails that lead through the foothills to high glassy lakes. Leaving from El Calafate, you’ll follow the legendary Route 40 along the edge of Lago Argentino up to La Leona River, passing by the Canyon La Leona en route. After a quick pit stop for coffee and cake, you’ll continue to Lake Viedma, with magical views of the surrounding glaciers, hidden lakes, and mountains. You’ll swing by the interpretation center before setting off on your own self-guided trek to some of the many miradores (viewpoints) scattered along the clearly-marked trails. We’ll provide a map and packed lunch to send you on your way. Around 6pm, you’ll return to the starting point to make the journey back to El Calafate, after a spectacular and exhilarating day.

Cross the border into Southern Chile during this full-day trip to Torres del Paine, a jaw-dropping maze of mountains, glaciers, lakes, and forests. Often dubbed as South America’s most beautiful national park, it’s an unforgettable trip with scenic hiking trails that will take your breath away. You’ll wake up for your pick up at 5:30am and leave El Calafate for Torres del Paine. Five hours later and after crossing the desolate Argentinean steppe, you’ll stop at the border post to go through immigration before continuing your journey into the national park. Along the way, you’ll be treated to mind-blowing views around every bend. From here, you’ll drive further into Torres del Paine (meaning Blue Towers in the local Tehuelche language), stopping to hike the most scenic sections of the trails and heading for a handful of spectacular viewpoints. Around noon, we’ll stay for lunch at Hosteria Pehoe. If you’re lucky, you might spot guanacos (a type of llama), foxes and deer as you dine. Afterward, head back towards El Calafate, exhausted and elated at the very same time. The exact route of the trip will depend on weather conditions, the physical condition of the traveler, and the available time, but it’s always guaranteed to be gorgeous.

During this full-day tour, you’ll get a taste of gaucho life on a real estancia, just outside El Calafate. Setting off around 9am, you’ll follow the ‘road to the estancias,’ keeping your eyes peeled for condors, foxes, and hares along the way. The majestic Cerro Frías dominates the backdrop, making for a jaw-dropping journey. After crossing the Río Rico, the landscape will change from steppes to mountains, and you’ll arrive at the estancia after entering Los Glaciares National Park, skirting the edge of Lake Roca. First, you’ll grab some tea and homemade cake in the quincho (rustic dining room) before exploring the traditional Patagonian estancia, now devoted to rearing sheep. As an optional activity, take a horse-ride to explore the local surroundings. Alternatively, you can stick to the footpaths, following a scenic trail along the Southern Arm of Lago Argentino. During the hike, you’ll pass rock amphitheaters that form natural beaches and pass through native woodland packed with caranchos, Austral parakeets, woodpeckers and eagles. Next, you’ll get a glimpse into the shearing shed and watch a horse-handling demonstration before being treated to a traditional Patagonian lunch – an entire lamb roasted on a stake. At the same time, you’ll listen to anecdotes and stories from the early settlers in these parts. In the afternoon, you’ll lend a hand yourself, milking the cows or getting stuck into some manual farm work before heading back to El Calafate. The order of activities might change depending on the season and weather conditions, but the experience will always be eye-opening and authentic.

Cerro Frias Flying Fox Zip Line

The Frias Mount, 1095 meters high, is located in the middle of a valley, offering unique views of the Argentino Lake and Andes Mountains: to the South, the “Cordón de Los Cristales” and “Torres del Paine” (Chile’s National Park); to the West, Magallanes and Avellaneda peninsulas, and to the North, Fitz Roy Mount. Also, potential wildlife viewing. Located in “Estancia Alice” (ranch), 23 km West of El Calafate, heading to the same direction as the Perito Moreno Glacier, the Mount Frias is an excellent opportunity to enjoy regional wild fauna and flora, as well as typical estancia animals. Besides the characteristic shrub of Patagonian steppe, a lenga forest in the East slope of the mount can be appreciated. Once we have arrived in the Ranch, we will provide you the necessary gear to be ready to enjoy a fantastic adventure under the highest security conditions. The Zip Line consists of a pulley suspended on two cables mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on harnesses through pulleys. The users are physically attached to the cable by wearing a harness which it is hooked to a removable trolley. After an instructive explanation, we depart in the direction to the Southern slope of Frias mount where the launch pad is placed, at 1680 feet altitude (part of a trail is done by 4×4 and the rest it is done on foot). We check out again all the equipment, and we get ready to cross the 1410 feet of cable. During the cross, you will be able to enjoy a fantastic view of the Payne Towers, the Centinela Valley, Roca Lake, Southern arm of Argentino Lake. After crossing, we reach the last platform from where we start walking the way back to the ranch.

Whatever your age or level of riding is, you’ll enjoy this excursion. Beginners can experience a leisurely walk with our experienced guides. Upon arrival at the ranch, you will meet your guide, who will explain some basic trail riding guidelines. The wide, well – sheltered trail leads you along the valley to the Frias, considered easy to moderate for trekking enthusiasts. You start the trekking or horseback riding going up to the Frias Mount, through one of the many different trails available, always accompanied by an expert guide. After 30 minutes you can enjoy the Centinela River´s valley and the Torres del Paine (Chile National Park ). Keep your eyes wide open for a potential viewing of guanacos, hares, foxes-, armadillos, skunks, and hill cattle. Following the trail, it is possible to admire the fantastic landscapes of the Argentino Lake and the valley where the Estancia Anita is located. After that, return to the Quincho (the estancia´s main house) before being transferred to your hotel.

A day in the history of this corner of Patagonia, contemplating unique natural scenery and enjoying lunch in an exclusive Creole. It starts with a visit to Lake Desert in the morning and an awesome hike to the viewpoint of Huemul. From both places, you can admire stunning views of the valley of the Rio de las Vueltas, Lake Desert and the northern face of Mount Fitz Roy. At noon, after a delicious Creole lunch, enjoy one of the many activities offered by the Fitz Roy Eco Adventure Camp (EcoCamp), set in idyllic scenery and situated on the western shore of the Rio de las Vueltas, 17 km north of El Chalten.

You will depart El Chaltén on the Fitz Roy footpath. After about 20 minutes of ascent, you arrive at the Valley of the Vueltas River viewpoint, a perfect example of the “U” shape valley carved by the glaciations in Patagonia. After a more gentle climbing, you will arrive at the viewpoint of the Fitz Roy massif where you will be able to appreciate the full splendor of the Saint Exupéry, Poincenot, Fitz Roy, Mermoz and Guillaumet peak. During the next couple of hours, you will go through beautiful lenga forests inhabited by countless varieties of birds that will accompany you with their song until you reach the Río Blanco campground. This is the base camp for the most adventurous climbers who will attempt to conquer these granite masses. You will then climb 400m in about an hour until you arrive at Laguna de Los Tres. On arrival at the highest point on the path, you will be rewarded by the majestic views of Fitz Roy, the glacier de Los Tres, and its lagoon. The grandeur of this location makes you feel very thankful. From here you will circle Laguna de Los Tres and head towards the viewpoint of the Laguna Sucia and its glacier for unforgettable views. After a rest and a bite for lunch, you will start the descent and walk back to El Chaltén passing by Laguna Capri, a favorite spot for photographers.

Fast Facts on El Calafate & Chalten

USEFUL TRAVELER INFORMATION

This section is a quick overview to help in planning your trip to El Calafate & Chalten.

When to go

The weather in Patagonia is not to be underestimated, and it can be unpredictable at the best of times. Winter in Patagonia runs from June to August, and given the treacherous conditions during this time, most activities shut down during this low season, with most visitors deciding to visit the region in either spring, summer or autumn. However, it is incredibly beautiful in winter, but expect a few other travelers and only a handful of locals. The best time to visit is late spring, summer, and early fall, from October to May. Summer holidays between late January and early March means that El Chalten and El Calafate are busier with families and kids, so it is best to travel before or after this period for fewer crowds. April is a beautiful month to visit, as the leaves start to change color in the fall, and the natural scenes and landscapes are perfect for photography.

How to get there

El Calafate is a regional hub for those wishing to visit El Chalten, Torres del Paine and many other sites in the area. It is strategically located between El Chaltén and Torres del Paine in Chile, making it an inevitable stop for those traveling in the area. Daily flights from Buenos Aires arrive at El Calafate Airport, located 14 miles (23km) away from the city, and we can arrange domestic flights for you as part of your itinerary. El Chalten is located around three hours away by bus, and transfers will be organized for you if you plan on visiting both destinations. El Calafate is situated on the southern shore of Lago Argentino, and Glaciers National Park can be accessed with a group tour, excursion or private transfer, which we can include in your itinerary.

Infrastructure

El Calafate has developed into something of a tourist center, and as such its tourism infrastructure has grown rapidly and efficiently. There are lots of different places to stay, from affordable hotels to luxurious spa resorts, and there are numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from. If you want to experience the real Patagonian wilderness, stay at one of the rural estancias typical of this area. El Chalten also has a host of different accommodations that vary in price and luxury, just ask one of our travel advisors, and they can assist you on where best to stay. We will also tell you what to pack for your Patagonian adventure, as the weather can vary and it is essential to be prepared. Patagonian cuisine is hearty and unique, so make sure and try some Patagonian Cordero a la Cruz, or lamb cooked in an open fire, and a Disco de Pollo, or a classic chicken casserole.